Research Practices
The internet is obviously a good research tool, a fair starting point when undertaking independent study. It is a starting point though. All too often sites offer insufficient or superficial analysis for A level, as we hope you are aware. The Media Studies Department has created a good library of secondary research texts, split between the Study Zone and the English Office. For film research there is also a holding of Sight & Sound. When using these texts, do note that they contain bibliographies listing further reading matter that could be usefully traced and used. There should be constant scrutiny of broadsheets for media-related articles eg. film reviews, media business ‘realignments’.
To take your research further, you might have to be prepared to contact or visit other libraries. For instance, our stock of Sight & Sound only goes back to the mid-1990s. Earlier film reviews can be traced in Reference Libraries in Market
Harborough or Leicester where back-dated copies of broadsheets are available on disc. Other places to consider for serious research are the BFI in London which runs a mail service and De Montfort University Library which will allow you reading rights on payment of a small fee. Any difficulties should be referred to your Media
teachers.
Research should be begun sooner rather than later in case of protracted difficulties obtaining items. There is much to be gained from working in small cooperative groups so research can be shared out. Much better, for example, for one person to contact the BFI on behalf of a group than separate applications for the same item from a number of individuals. For contact addresses of media institutions you might try using the Guardian Media Guide kept in the office.
